On 5 July 2022 the TV Monitoringi crew, Shotiko Sadaghashvili and Tornike Gelitashvili were attacked during their journalistic activities [1, 2]. The incident took place in the Kareli Municipality. According to the journalist, the perpetrators self-identified themselves as supporters of the violent pro-Russian group “Alt-Info”, criticising the channel for its pro-European editorial policy and interfering with their professional activities.
On the same day, on the basis of the information aired by the media, the Special Investigation Service opened a probe into the illegal obstruction of the journalistic activities of TV Monitoringi crew in accordance with the first part of Article 154 of the Criminal Code of Georgia [3].
It is important to note that on 5-6 July, 2021, persons associated with the violent and pro-Russian group “Alt-Info” attacked media representatives on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, physically injured them and broke their equipment. A total of 53 journalists, cameramen and photographers were injured. In the light of this difficult experience, the authorities are obliged to pay particular attention to the aggression of persons associated with the pro-Russian group. All the more so as journalists living in the regions may find themselves even more vulnerable in the exercise of their professional duties.
The Media Advocacy Coalition calls on the Special Investigation Service to promptly and effectively investigate the case of interference in the journalistic activities of TV Monitoringi.
The Coalition calls on the Ministry of Interior to take preventive measures to stop the frequent attacks on media workers.
[1] Article: Attack on TV Monitoring camera crew – supporters of a violent and pro-Russian party tried to smash TV equipment https://bit.ly/3P5Bpqn
[2] Video https://bit.ly/3uPXnGv
[3] Statement by the Special Investigation Service https://bit.ly/3ynjJQf
